The survey data will provide a “state of the union” of the local business community, Jefferson Fosbender, the economic development director of the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, said previously.

The survey is launching this weekend. The Growth Alliance is emailing it to business owners and managers.

To complete the survey, go to https://tinyurl.com/2024-Business-Survey

“The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance, in conjunction with the Small Business Development Center, Iowa Central Community College and the city of Fort Dodge is conducting a brief survey of our community in order to better understand the state of our local business climate and regional economy,” the introduction to the survey states.

“Your participation and responses are crucial in showing us the status and health of our current business community,” the task force wrote in that introduction. “The data that is gathered from this survey will inform how we build initiatives and educate the public as we aim to provide the relevant resources and support systems for our area.”

The survey will be anonymous and all published results will be an aggregate form that will not single out any business.

Survey responses are requested by June 21.

Conducting the survey is the first initiative of the new task force.

Dawn Larson, the economic development specialist for the city, said small businesses “form the beating heart of our communities.”

“They’re more than just enterprises,” she said. “They’re the lifelines that employ us, meet our needs, provide essential services, and enrich our quality of life.”

“Their success is intertwined with our own, and their resilience is a testament to the spirit of our community,” she added.

Business task force members

These are the organizations and individuals that are part of the new business task force.

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

The Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance is dedicated to building a stronger economy and a stronger community in the greater Fort Dodge area. It serves as the economic and community development organization for the area. The goals of the organization include building opportunities for existing businesses while recruiting new entrepreneurs to our regional economy. The alliance does this through advocacy, networking, promotions, and leveraging available resources on a local, state, and national level.

Jefferson Fosbender is the economic development director for the Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance. He is a graduate of the University of Northern Iowa School of Business and a Fort Dodge native. He started his role in October 2023.

Jefferson Fosbender

Greater Fort Dodge Growth Alliance

24 N Ninth St., Suite A

(515) 227-7124

jefferson@greaterfortdodgeiowa.com

America’s SBDC Iowa

The America’s Small Business Development Center Iowa (SBDC) is dedicated to fostering the growth and success of small businesses across the state. Offering expert guidance and support, the SBDC provides entrepreneurs personalized consulting services, workshops, and access to essential resources. With a mission to empower small business owners, the SBDC equips them with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate challenges, seize opportunities, and thrive in today’s competitive landscape. Whether it’s business planning, financial management, or market research, the SBDC stands ready to assist Iowa’s vibrant small business community every step of the way.

The North Central Iowa Small Business Development Center (SBDC), one of 15 regional assistance centers in Iowa, is hosted by Iowa Central Community College. Serving a dozen counties including Audubon, Buena Vista, Calhoun, Carroll, Greene, Guthrie, Hamilton, Humboldt, Pocahontas, Sac, Webster, and Wright, the center offers confidential and no-cost business counseling. To access these services or for more information, individuals can visit www.iowasbdc.org/nci or contact Regional Director Kirsten Case Fuller at case–k@iowacentral.org or 515-574-1997.

Kirsten Case Fuller brings over two decades of diverse leadership experience, specializing in capacity building, community relations, and strategy implementation. She served as the manager of leadership and workforce development with the Greater Omaha Chamber of Commerce, where she crafted strategies and partnered with businesses ranging from small enterprises to Fortune 500 companies. Her initiatives aimed to recruit and retain young professionals, fostering growth in the metro area and beyond. Her career has been marked by roles such as executive director for an adult literacy organization and engagement strategist for a public utility, where she navigated complex service territories and community needs.

Kirsten Case Fuller

North Central Iowa SBDC

2031 Quail Ave

(515) 574-1997

case–k@iowacentral.edu

Iowa Central Community College

Founded in 1966, Iowa Central Community College has more than 100 programs to choose from and an array of student activities. It provides an affordable and enriching alternative to four-year universities. Students can attend classes at one of five campus locations in Fort Dodge, Storm Lake, or Webster City for exceptional hands-on learning, while Iowa Central online classes offer a flexible distance-learning opportunity for many of our students.

Shelly Blunk serves as the dean of economic development and continuing education at Iowa Central Community College, a role she has dedicated herself to for more than 20 years. Starting her journey in the Industrial Technology Department, she initially focused on student engagement, laying a strong foundation in technical education. Her career trajectory took a significant turn when she transitioned to collaborating closely with business and industry partners, designing, and implementing customized training programs that address specific workforce needs. Her understanding of both educational frameworks and industry demands has helped in bridging the gap between the classroom and the corporate world, enhancing the economic development of the region through tailored educational solutions.

Shelly Blunk

Iowa Central Community College

One Triton Circle

(515) 574-1901

blunk@iowacentral.edu

City of Fort Dodge

With a rich history rooted in the pioneering spirit of the Midwest, Fort Dodge today is a hub of economic activity and cultural richness. The city’s government and local organizations are committed to nurturing a thriving economy, enhancing quality of life, and ensuring a sustainable future for all its residents. Fort Dodge is characterized by its robust industrial base, diverse educational opportunities, and a wide range of recreational activities, making it an attractive place for both businesses and families. With ongoing initiatives to support local businesses, attract new investments, and promote community engagement, Fort Dodge continues to pave the way for prosperity and progress in the region. Whether it’s through supporting local arts, improving infrastructure, or hosting community events, Fort Dodge remains dedicated to creating a dynamic and inclusive community where everyone can thrive.

Dawn Larson is a native of Fort Dodge and has served as the economic development specialist for the city of Fort Dodge for over 14 years. In her role, she serves as a liaison and an information source to businesses of all sizes helping to establish and maintain a strong municipal government relationship and foster economic development. She serves as the primary contact for the Development Corporation of Greater Fort Dodge which is a non-profit corporation that provides low-interest financing to downtown businesses and serves as a liaison to Main Street Fort Dodge, assisting with business development and expansion in the downtown.

Dawn Larson

City of Fort Dodge

819 First Ave S.

(515) 576-4551 Ext: 1241

dlarson@fortdodgeiowa.org